Lateral move and camping out....

Monday, February 18th was an eventful day, in good ways and bad. Troup developed pneumonia from all the fluid build-up, and was running a fever. His kidneys were having a difficult time as well, and they started mentioning dialysis. Each time a new doctor would visit us, it seemed like more bad news. Dr. Blincoe told us that they would be moving Troup to CCU, upstairs. Before we could get our hopes up, thinking he might be improving enough for a move, in his usually Dr. Blincoe way he told us it was a lateral move and would allow Troup's team better access to one another. I chose to ignore his usually "grimness" and believed that if they were moving him, he must be on the upswing. He was still in a medically induced coma, and still swollen from the massive amounts of fluid but going to CCU meant his own room, and a little privacy. It seemed like it took hours for them to get him upstairs, but when they did we were so excited, we had chairs and a place to visit with him! I remember it was a rainy, misty day but nothing was going to ruin the excitement of a room and chairs. It's the small victories that win the race and that day, our motto became "slow and steady wins the race".

Family and friends continued to fill the waiting rooms, and once we were upstairs, we took over our own little area. We filled it with blankets, pillows, snacks and drinks. There was a sign that said "No Eating or Drinking Allowed" however my sister's coat needed a resting spot and conveniently, it covered the sign quite nicely. We decided to take turns spending the night, just in case something happened and they needed a family member. Mom, Kyna, Don, Teresa, Jim and Sue got hotel rooms about a mile from the hospital, just in case someone needed a quick nap, or some down time. People brought snacks, and food, and we quickly became friends with the cafeteria staff; especially Doris, who makes the best grilled cheese sandwiches in the world! Those first few days, Emily's boyfriend Jake never left us and quickly became endeared to the entire family. He was our runner, going on many trips to the cafeteria, or to CVS across the street. He also held Emily together, and I was glad he was there to comfort and love her. Ryan, who loves a good conversation, made a friend and would sit out front of the hospital, talking. His new friend was about 70 years old, and a patient. He would come by the waiting area and ask Ryan if he wanted to go out and talk. He told Ryan all about his military career and family, and Ryan told him about his Dad. When we went to the chapel, we saw he had asked for prayer for his friend Ryan's dad. Just another example of the sweet and loving children I have, they make friends wherever they go!

As the day progressed, they said his lungs were sounding a little better but his kidneys were in really bad shape. They said on Tuesday, we would meet Nephrologist who would talk to us about dialysis. They also said they would start considering removing the ballon that had been placed on Saturday to help his heart rest. His room was always really busy, but our friends, family and even the doctors and nurses were really good about giving the kids and I time alone. I think we all told him stories and secrets, just hoping he would wake up and give us that good old "Trouper" laugh.

Here is a picture of our "area". Emily brought her pooh bear pillow pet and if you look closely, you can see my sister in her "sleeping cubby". Piedmont, our home away from home!